What Song Should I Learn on Guitar? And Why Not Start with a Song About Quantum Physics?

Learning to play the guitar is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and endless possibilities. One of the most common questions beginners and even intermediate players ask is, “What song should I learn on guitar?” The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it seems, as it depends on various factors such as your skill level, musical preferences, and personal goals. In this article, we will explore multiple perspectives on this topic, offering a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect song to learn on your guitar.

1. Skill Level: The Foundation of Your Choice

Beginner Level

If you’re just starting out, it’s essential to choose a song that matches your current skill level. Beginner-friendly songs typically feature simple chord progressions and straightforward strumming patterns. Some popular choices include:

• “Wonderwall” by Oasis: This song is a classic for beginners, featuring easy-to-play chords like Em, G, D, and C.
• “Horse with No Name” by America: Known for its simple two-chord progression (Em and D6/9), this song is perfect for those who are just getting the hang of chord transitions.
• “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan: With a basic G, D, Am, and C progression, this song is both easy to play and widely recognized.

Intermediate Level

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to songs that incorporate more complex chords, fingerpicking, and rhythm patterns. Some intermediate-level songs include:

• “Blackbird” by The Beatles: This song is a great introduction to fingerpicking and features a beautiful melody that will challenge your coordination.
• “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton: Known for its emotional depth, this song requires a good grasp of fingerpicking and chord transitions.
• “Hotel California” by Eagles: While the full version is quite complex, the intro and basic chords are manageable for intermediate players.

Advanced Level

For advanced players, the sky’s the limit. You can tackle songs that require intricate fingerpicking, advanced chord voicings, and complex rhythms. Some advanced-level songs include:

• “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams: This instrumental piece is a masterpiece of fingerstyle guitar, requiring precision and dexterity.
• “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix: Known for its iconic guitar work, this song will challenge your ability to blend rhythm and lead playing.
• “Eruption” by Van Halen: If you’re looking to push your technical skills to the limit, this iconic guitar solo is a must-learn.

2. Musical Preferences: Play What You Love

Your musical taste plays a significant role in determining what song you should learn. If you’re passionate about a particular genre, you’re more likely to stay motivated and enjoy the learning process. Here are some genre-specific recommendations:

Rock

• “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple: This iconic riff is a staple for any rock guitarist.
• “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses: Known for its memorable intro and solo, this song is a must-learn for rock enthusiasts.

Pop

• “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran: This song features a catchy riff and simple chord progression, making it a popular choice for pop guitarists.
• “Someone Like You” by Adele: With its emotional melody and straightforward chords, this song is perfect for those who enjoy ballads.

Blues

• “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King: This blues classic is a great way to learn about bending, vibrato, and phrasing.
• “Crossroads” by Robert Johnson: A foundational piece in blues guitar, this song will help you develop your fingerpicking and slide techniques.

Country

• “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show: This song features a simple chord progression and a fun, upbeat melody.
• “Jolene” by Dolly Parton: Known for its catchy riff and emotional lyrics, this song is a favorite among country guitarists.

Classical

• “Romance Anónimo”: This beautiful piece is a great introduction to classical guitar techniques.
• “Asturias (Leyenda)” by Isaac Albéniz: A challenging yet rewarding piece for advanced classical guitarists.

3. Personal Goals: What Do You Want to Achieve?

Your personal goals as a guitarist will also influence your choice of song. Are you looking to perform in front of an audience, or are you learning for personal enjoyment? Here are some goal-oriented suggestions:

Performance

If you’re aiming to perform, consider learning songs that are crowd-pleasers and relatively easy to play. Songs like “Wonderwall” by Oasis or “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s are great choices for live performances.

Songwriting

If your goal is to write your own music, learning songs that feature interesting chord progressions and melodies can be incredibly inspiring. Songs like “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen or “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac are excellent for studying song structure and chord choices.

Technical Mastery

For those looking to improve their technical skills, challenging songs like “Cliffs of Dover” by Eric Johnson or “Capricho Árabe” by Francisco Tárrega will push your abilities to new heights.

4. Cultural Impact: Learn the Classics

Some songs have left an indelible mark on the world of music, and learning them can provide a deeper understanding of guitar history and technique. Here are a few classics that every guitarist should consider learning:

• “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin: Often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, this piece features a mix of fingerpicking and powerful chords.
• “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix: This song is a masterclass in psychedelic rock guitar, featuring iconic riffs and solos.
• “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas: A beautiful example of fingerpicking, this song is both challenging and rewarding to learn.

5. Modern Hits: Stay Current

While classics are timeless, learning modern hits can keep your repertoire fresh and relevant. Here are some contemporary songs that are popular among guitarists:

• “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran: This romantic ballad features simple chords and a beautiful melody, making it a favorite for weddings and special occasions.
• “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran: With its catchy riff and upbeat rhythm, this song is a great choice for pop guitarists.
• “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd: While originally a synth-heavy track, this song can be adapted for guitar, offering a modern twist to your playing.

6. Personal Connection: Songs That Speak to You

Sometimes, the best song to learn is one that holds personal significance. Whether it’s a song that reminds you of a special moment or one that resonates with your emotions, playing a song that speaks to you can be incredibly fulfilling. Take some time to reflect on the music that has touched your life and consider adding those songs to your repertoire.

7. Collaborative Playing: Songs for Jamming

If you enjoy playing with others, learning songs that are popular for jamming can be a great way to connect with fellow musicians. Songs like “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd or “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison are often played in group settings and are sure to get everyone involved.

8. Educational Value: Songs That Teach

Some songs are particularly valuable for learning specific techniques or concepts. For example:

• “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton: This song is excellent for learning fingerpicking and emotional expression.
• “Blackbird” by The Beatles: A great song for mastering fingerpicking and chord transitions.
• “Eruption” by Van Halen: Perfect for learning advanced techniques like tapping and fast alternate picking.

9. Fun Factor: Songs That Are Just Fun to Play

Sometimes, the best reason to learn a song is simply because it’s fun to play. Songs like “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple or “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream are not only easy to learn but also incredibly enjoyable to play.

10. Challenge Yourself: Songs That Push Your Limits

If you’re looking to grow as a guitarist, consider learning songs that challenge your current abilities. Songs like “Cliffs of Dover” by Eric Johnson or “Capricho Árabe” by Francisco Tárrega will push you to new heights and help you develop advanced techniques.

Conclusion

Choosing the right song to learn on guitar is a deeply personal decision that depends on your skill level, musical preferences, and personal goals. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple chords or an advanced player seeking a technical challenge, there’s a song out there that’s perfect for you. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and let your passion for music guide you.

Related Q&A

Q1: How do I know if a song is too difficult for me?

A1: If you find yourself struggling with the chord transitions, strumming patterns, or fingerpicking techniques, the song might be too difficult for your current skill level. It’s okay to start with simpler songs and gradually work your way up.

Q2: Can I learn a song by ear, or do I need sheet music?

A2: Learning by ear is a valuable skill that can improve your musical ear and understanding of the guitar. However, using sheet music or tabs can be helpful, especially for beginners. A combination of both methods is often the best approach.

Q3: How long does it take to learn a song on guitar?

A3: The time it takes to learn a song varies depending on the complexity of the song and your skill level. Simple songs can be learned in a few hours, while more complex pieces may take weeks or even months to master.

Q4: Should I learn songs in different genres?

A4: Absolutely! Exploring different genres can broaden your musical horizons and improve your versatility as a guitarist. It’s a great way to discover new techniques and styles.

Q5: What if I get bored with a song I’m learning?

A5: It’s normal to feel bored or frustrated when learning a challenging song. If this happens, take a break and try learning a different song for a while. You can always come back to the original song later with a fresh perspective.